Maynooth University

Musicology

Whether as a stand-alone degree or a stepping stone towards MLitt and PhD research degrees, the MA in Musicology offers you the opportunity to develop as a researcher, deepen your critical and communication abilities, and apply these skills to the study of music history, music and culture, and analysis. The programme is delivered by staff with strong international research reputations, active as scholars, performers, and composers. Their diverse expertise includes areas such as: music and film; opera studies; source studies; European art music in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; music in Ireland; ethnomusicology; popular music; music, gender, and sexuality; analysis; and more. Beyond the modules, seminars, and showcase outlined in the Course Structure, MA in Musicology students may also attend conferences, concerts, and other events that Music Department staff regularly organise. Students also benefit from a first-rate library, access to the University's language courses, and close proximity to Dublin, enabling access to a further range of research libraries and archives.

The coordinator of this degree is Dr Laura Watson.

See the Department's webpage www.maynoothuniversity.ie/music/our-people for full details of staff interests.

Click here for brochure MA Musicology

Entry requirements

Normally a minimum II.1 honours degree in music is required. Applicants without this qualification may be requested to attend an interview.

International applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary degree level.

International applicants whose first language is not English may be requested to submit samples of written material.

Minimum English language requirements: please visit Maynooth University International Office website for information about English language tests accepted and required scores. The requirements specified are applicable for both EU and non-EU applicants.

Maynooth University's TOEFL code is 8850

Applications will typically be processed within three weeks.

Duration

MHT52: 1 year full-time
MHT53: 2 years part-time

Careers or further progression

MA Musicology students develop a portfolio of critical, analytical, and communication skills, while the programme also trains students to work independently and manage their time effectively. These skills serve graduates well in a wide range of employment situations, including areas specific to music such as arts administration and events management. The MA in Musicology is also an excellent option for those considering further postgraduate study.

Further enquiries

Programme Director Prof. Fiona Palmer
Tel +353 (0)1 708 3733
Email fiona.palmer@mu.ie
Website https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/music
Address Department of Music, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare

Subjects taught

The programme comprises seven modules in total: six group-seminar modules (three per semester) and a year-round thesis module for which students are allocated individual supervisors. You will encounter a rich spectrum of musicological topics, themes, and approaches in the programme, which reflects the variety of staff research interests. In addition, a year-round research seminar series provides an opportunity to hear guest lectures by visiting musicologists, composers, and performers. Students also present their work in progress during the Research Seminars and Colloquia.

Foreign language instruction is also available through the Maynooth University Language Centre. https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/language-centre for detailed information and fees.

Comment

The Department of Music at Maynooth University is renowned for its long and proud tradition of composition, musicology, performance and music technology, immersing students in a vibrant, challenging and creative educational environment. Students will encounter multiple ways of engaging with music: in rehearsals, in concerts, in seminars and in the music studios. Performance experience is offered in a range of professionally directed music ensembles, including the Maynooth University Orchestra, the Guitar Ensemble, the Traditional Group, the Choral Society and the Chamber Choir. Students with a passion for the creation and performance of a whole range of music styles will find the space and the academic support to build their professional skills as musicians and music creators. Composers will find a stimulating and supportive environment amidst the vibrant performance and academic activities in the Department. The focus here is on individual tuition from internationally recognised composers with access to opportunities for collaboration with other musicians in the Department. Musicologists, too, will find a supportive environment; seminars bring leading researchers from around the world, and in the university library, students have access to one of the best-stocked music collections in Ireland. With a combination of expert staff and tailor-made resources, the Department of Music offers a learning experience that builds confidence and develops the techniques and experience needed for careers in research, scholarship, the performance and creation of music, the music industry, the arts and culture sector and many other fields.

Application date

All applications should be made through the PAC system.

Closing Date : 30 June 2020

Course fee

In general, there are two levels of fees payable. EU students from EU countries including Ireland pay a subsidised level of fees for both taught courses and research programmes. Tuition fees for students from outside the EU are not subsidised and are thus somewhat higher than for EU students.